Fospice

All About Fospice

We started our Fospice program in 2013, and have sponsored 36 dogs as of March 2017. Fospice dog recipients come in all shapes and sizes, from tiny (5 lbs) to huge (120 lbs); breeds have included: Pit Bull, Maltese, Bichon, Shepherd, Shar Pei, Beagle, Yorkshire Terrier, Chihuahua, Labrador Retriever. We welcome Fospice friends of all shapes and sizes!

As of Spring 2017, we have donated over $13,000 directly to other nonprofit organizations in support of the Fospice dogs in our program. With increased funding, we can donate to more animal rescue organizations to support their Fospice dog rescue efforts.

Foster + Hospice = Fospice!

With innumerable sick and elderly dogs we see in animal shelters, wouldn’t it be useful to have a program that took them out of the shelter environment and placed them in “forever foster” homes for their final days/months? Too many old and sick dogs die in shelters around the country; how about we make the world a slightly better place and provide care and comfort to a dog in need.

What is Fospice, and how does it compare to “Hospice”?

Fospice uses the human hospice idea, and makes it work for dogs. “The word ‘hospice’ comes from the Latin word hospes: meaning to host a guest or stranger” (Via Amitabha Hospice Service). Our fospice recipient must be elderly (at a natural old age, according to their breed/size), and/or terminally ill. Foster Dogs will search for a foster home for the dog in need, and will sponsor the dog’s basic needs for the remainder of their life. The concept of end-of-lifecare remains; the level of care varies with each dog.

The reasons for sending animals to foster are varied. Sometimes shelters receive animals that are not medically healthy enough for adoption, but still have the right to live out their golden years in loving homes and with proper medical treatment. For these pets, the ASPCA supports finding homes that are part foster, part hospice—or “fospice.” Are you ready to open your heart and home to a fospice animal? – ASPCA

By using the ASPCA’s program as a starting point, we were able make this program our own. In addition to vet care and daily needs, our Fospice recipients will receive a one-on-one professional photo shoot, as a keepsake for their foster parents. We will provide the dog with a brand new bed, leash, tasty treats, grooming, and whatever toys they could possibly want. While we are not a large organization, we want to make a difference where we can; and this is one aspect of rescue where we can make a real impact. [Also see: Operation Foster Bound, Canines in the Classroom, and Foster Manual]

Which dogs can qualify for Fospice?

We search for very elderly dogs or terminally ill dogs who fit one of the following criteria: In the care of a 501(c)(3) nonprofit rescue group / At an animal shelter / At risk of being surrendered by their owners. Typically, our Fospice dogs have received a negative prognosis from a veterinarian who said that he or she has fewer than six months to live.

Donation to Dog’s Rescue Group:

Dog Bed Donation from Harry Barker:

Custom Painted Portrait

BarkBox Subscription (6 months):

FLUFFY

MATRIX

Professional Photo Shoot:

TERA

RICHIE BEAR

DAISY

BEAU

MAX

GINA

FLUFFY

TAZ

GWEN

MATRIX

Handmade “Rescue Leash” from Found My Animal:

LEIA

FANNY

TERA

MAX

SHAYA

DAISY

All of these corporate sponsors are based in New York City, as we love partnering with awesome local businesses. After all, we’re all in this together! The companies above have all donated their support to Fospice to save more elderly and terminally ill shelter dogs. Our funding goes straight towards a donation to the rescue group, and support of the Fospice caretaker’s needs for their particular dog.